How a fire prevention zone saved a community from wildfire

Source: The post is based on the article “How a fire prevention zone saved a community from wildfire”  published in Indian Express on 26th August 2023

What is the News?

A well-constructed fire prevention zone created by a local Indigenous logging company played an important role in protecting a community from a wildfire in Canada.

What happened in Canada?

A wildfire threatened a Canadian tourist spot in British Columbia with a large population.

The fire advanced for 19 days, consuming a significant area of forest but was slowed down at the suburban fringes by a Fire prevention zone created by a local Indigenous logging company.

What is a Fire Prevention Zone?

Fire Prevention Zones are designated areas that have been carefully managed and modified to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading and causing damage. 

These zones are typically created in or around communities, especially those located in wildfire-prone areas. 

The primary goal of Fire Prevention Zones is to create a buffer or barrier that hinders the advance of wildfires, protecting lives, property, and natural ecosystems. 

How did the Indigenous logging company in Canada create a Fire Prevention Zone?

Indigenous logging company in Canada named Ntityix Development, created a fire prevention zone using traditional Indigenous forestry practices such as thinning the forest; cleaning up debris on the floor; and burning the debris and ground cover in a controlled way to prevent it from becoming fuel for wildfires.

What is the significance of these measures?

This highlights the importance of proactive measures like fire prevention zones particularly in the face of worsening wildfire seasons driven by climate change.They can play a crucial role in protecting communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.